MICHAEL Owen has spoken about how he wept with joy at becoming a father.

MICHAEL Owen has spoken about how he wept with joy at becoming a father.

The 23-year-old Liverpool and England striker has also hinted that a wed-ding could be on the horizon.

His girlfriend Louise Bonsall, 23, gave birth to Gemma Rose, weighing 6lb 8oz, on May 1 in the Countess of Chester hospital.

Owen said: 'We've talked about getting married. It will be sooner rather than later, but there are no definite plans yet.'

Both Louise and Michael were born in the Countess, and wanted their child to be born in the same place.

The couple live in the Flintshire village of Ewloe.

'I've lived most of my life in Wales, but I was born in England. My mum and dad went over the border when me and my brothers and sister were born,' said the star.

'No disrespect to the Welsh, because I love where I live, but we wanted our baby to be born in the same hospital as us.'

He said: 'We knew it was going to be a girl in advance. I wasn't bothered about knowing, but when Louise found out, she just couldn't keep the secret.

'We chose the name Gemma because we both liked it, and Rose as a middle name because that was the name of my dad's mum, my last living grandparent.

'I must say, her timing was perfect. Gemma was born naturally after about three hours in labour.'

He added: 'We were praying for her to arrive on time without being induced because of my heavy football commitments at the end of the Premiership season.

'It's only just starting to sink in for me. I get home from training and realise I have a new baby, waiting for me. It's a fantastic feeling.'

The striker was present at the birth and says that it was a better feeling than scoring for England.

'It was a totally unbelievable experience,' he said, 'different from any emotion I've ever had before.

'People have asked me to compare it to scoring a goal or achieving a big football win. With those, you get a sudden feeling of elation and a rush of adrenalin.

'But Gemma's birth came with an excitement unlike anything I've ever known. I'm not ashamed to say I shed a few tears. In fact, I'm proud to say it.'

He added: 'Afterwards I spent a couple of minutes with my head on Louise's shoulder and we wept tears of joy.

'Everyone I spoke to told me not to miss the birth of my children - especially the first one. They were right. But I always intended to be there.'

Owen is now trying to pick up a few skills that he won't be needing on the football pitch.

He said: 'I've watched Louise changing nappies and I've been trying to get the hang of it. It looks a bit technical for me at the moment, but, after a few viewing sessions, I reckon I'll be ready for it.'